Your complete guide to finding, evaluating, and hiring the best solar company for your home. Avoid scams, get competitive quotes, and ensure a quality installation.
The difference between a great installer and a poor one can cost you thousands
Your solar system is a 25+ year investment worth $15,000-40,000+. Spending a few hours researching installers can save you thousands and ensure decades of reliable performance.
Non-negotiable certifications and licenses to verify
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the gold standard for solar installer certification. Only certified professionals should design and oversee your installation.
Solar installation requires electrical and sometimes general contractor licenses. Proper insurance protects you from liability and ensures the company is legitimate.
Experienced local installers understand your area's permit requirements, utility interconnection processes, and local building codes. This knowledge prevents delays and ensures compliance.
Your installer needs to be around for warranty service and support. Check their financial health and business track record to ensure long-term viability.
Warning signs that indicate you should look elsewhere
Legitimate solar companies don't need to go door-to-door. High-pressure sales tactics, claims of "limited time offers," or pushy salespeople are major warning signs. Quality installers have waiting lists, not aggressive sales teams.
Never pay the full amount before installation is complete and approved. Legitimate installers typically require only a small deposit (10-20%) with the balance due upon completion and utility approval.
Companies with only cell phone numbers, P.O. boxes, or out-of-state addresses often disappear when problems arise. Insist on a local office and landline phone number you can visit or call.
Claims like "this price is only good today" or refusing to let you review contracts overnight are scam tactics. Legitimate installers give you time to review proposals and make informed decisions.
Quotes significantly below market rate often hide poor-quality equipment, installation shortcuts, or hidden fees. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Professional installers handle all permit applications, inspections, and utility interconnection paperwork. If they expect you to deal with permits yourself, find someone else.
Use these questions to evaluate and compare solar companies
How to get competitive quotes and make apples-to-apples comparisons
Never accept the first quote you receive. Get quotes from at least 3-5 different installers to ensure competitive pricing and compare different approaches. This can save you thousands and help you identify the best value.
Give each installer the same information about your energy usage, roof details, and goals. This ensures you can compare quotes fairly. Share your recent electric bills and any special requirements upfront.
Every quote should include system specifications, equipment brands/models, total cost breakdown, expected production, savings projections, warranty terms, and installation timeline. Avoid verbal quotes or incomplete proposals.
Don't just compare total price. Look at cost per watt, equipment quality, warranty terms, expected production, and company reputation. The cheapest quote often isn't the best value long-term.
Contact recent customers and visit completed installations if possible. Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and solar-specific sites like Solar Reviews. Look for patterns in feedback.
| Quote Comparison Factors | What to Look For | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| System Size & Output | Properly sized for your usage and roof | Oversized or undersized system |
| Equipment Quality | Tier 1 panels, reputable inverters | Unknown brands or bottom-tier equipment |
| Price per Watt | $2.50-4.00/watt after incentives | Significantly above or below market |
| Warranty Coverage | 25-year panels, 10+ year workmanship | Short warranties or warranty gaps |
| Installation Timeline | Realistic 4-8 week timeline | Promises installation "next week" |
| Payment Terms | Small deposit, balance on completion | Full payment upfront required |
| Post-Installation Support | Monitoring, maintenance, local service | No ongoing support offered |
Essential contract terms to verify before signing
For contracts over $20,000, consider having an attorney review the agreement before signing. Most lawyers can review a solar contract in 30-60 minutes for $200-400, potentially saving you thousands in problems later.
How to make the final choice and move forward confidently
Reviews, references, experience, certifications
Price, equipment quality, warranties
Communication, support, local presence
Fair terms, clear language, protections
Don't automatically choose the cheapest option. A mid-priced installer with excellent reputation and service often provides better long-term value than the lowest bidder.
Use our state-specific calculators to get your solar analysis, then connect with vetted, certified installers in your area.